U0136 on Buick
Lost Communication With Differential Control Module – Rear
U0136 on Buick vehicles indicates lost communication with differential control module – rear. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Buick model — most commonly on Encore. Sets when a module loses data-bus communication with the rear Differential Control Module (electronic/active or e-locker rear differential) and no longer receives its expected messages. Typical repair costs on Buick range from $500 to $1,100, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of U0136
- •Open or shorted bus wiring to the rear differential module
- •Corroded or loose connector
- •Blown fuse / lost power or ground
- •Low battery voltage
- •Failed rear differential control module
U0136 on Buick by Model
Buick Encore(1 issue)
- AWD Rear Differential Clutch Control Module (RDCM) Corrosion - Loss of AWD, Dead Battery and Power-Steering Loss (Special Coverage 17436-02)2013-2018
On 2013-2018 Encore AWD models the rear differential clutch control module (RDCM) sits low at the rear axle where road splash reaches it over time. Water enters the module and corrodes its circuit board. The most common result is loss of all-wheel-drive engagement with a 'Service AWD' / 'Service StabiliTrak' style message and codes C0800 and/or U0136; in rarer cases the corroded module back-feeds the network and causes a dead battery or loss of electric power-steering assist. Owners on BuickForums also describe the rear clutch randomly engaging with a pop or bang and binding in tight turns before the module fails outright. GM addressed this with Special Coverage bulletin 17436-02 ('Loss of All Wheel Drive Operation Due to Corrosion of Rear Differential Control Module'), which extends coverage on the RDCM and its harness for 2013-2018 AWD Encores.
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What does U0136 mean on Buick?▼
U0136 stands for "Lost Communication With Differential Control Module – Rear." Sets when a module loses data-bus communication with the rear Differential Control Module (electronic/active or e-locker rear differential) and no longer receives its expected messages. On Buick specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes U0136 on Buick vehicles?▼
Common causes on Buick: Open or shorted bus wiring to the rear differential module, Corroded or loose connector, Blown fuse / lost power or ground, Low battery voltage, Failed rear differential control module. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix U0136 on a Buick?▼
Repair costs on Buick range from $500 to $1,100, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Buick models have U0136 documented?▼
Au7o has documented U0136 on 1 Buick model: Encore.